And then—

He reached the peak of Spirit Rank in body cultivation.

A sharp pulse ran through his chest as his body completed the last refining cycle.

The energy inside him settled like calm, heavy stone.

Tian Lei slowly opened his eyes.

His entire body felt warm and solid—like a steel frame wrapped in living flesh.

But he was exhausted.

He exhaled softly and let the technique fade.

"That's enough… for now."

He stretched his arms, feeling the soreness deep inside.

The pain was still there—dull, heavy—but it was the pain of growth, not injury.

"My body needs rest before I push toward Heaven Rank," he muttered.

He sat back against the wall of the chamber, breathing slowly, letting his muscles relax after a month of nonstop pressure.

For the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to simply rest.

He closed his eyes, letting the calm fill him.

"I've reached the peak of Spirit Rank… that's good progress."

His heartbeat slowed.

His breathing steadied.

His foundation—both body and spirit—was now stronger than ever.

Tomorrow, he would continue the climb.

But for now…

He let his body recover.

Tian Lei stepped out of the cultivation chamber later that morning, his body still carrying a faint ache but finally relaxed.

The fresh air outside felt different—lighter, cooler, almost refreshing after a month locked in intense training.

He walked into his garden.

It was quiet and peaceful.

Soft sunlight fell through the leaves.

A small stream flowed beside a stone path.

Birds rested on the branches, undisturbed.

Tian Lei poured himself a cup of tea and sat down on a wooden bench.

The warmth spread through his hands.

The smell of the tea mixed with the calm breeze.

For the first time in weeks, he smiled without tension.

"…This is good."

He took a slow sip, letting the quiet settle around him.

As he lowered the cup, the sound of footsteps came from behind.

"Sect Master, are you finally out of seclusion?"

A soft, clear female voice.

Tian Lei turned his head.

A beautiful young woman was standing at the entrance of the garden, bowing politely. Her presence was gentle, but her aura was strong—firm, stable, and sharp like refined crystal.

She was the person he bought from the auction house months ago.

In this world, slavery was legal.

She had been sold because of low talent and great looks.

But Tian Lei saw her potential.

It was her magic talent she had high potential for magic cultivation, making her the second mage in this world.

He freed her, gave her resources, and taught her how to cultivate.

Now…

Her magic cultivation stood at Emperor Rank, peak level.

And even though her spirit cultivation was only at Peak Spirit Rank, she was already strong enough to fight cultivators far above her.

Tian Lei nodded calmly.

"Yes. I'm done for now."

She stepped closer, her eyes bright.

"That's good, Sect Master… I was worried. You didn't come out even once during the whole month."

Tian Lei took another sip of tea and set the cup down.

"I'm fine. Just needed to strengthen my foundation."

She relaxed, a small smile forming on her lips.

"I can see that. Your aura feels… much deeper."

He raised an eyebrow lightly.

"And your strength has grown since I last checked."

Her cheeks warmed slightly.

"I trained hard, Sect Master. I didn't want to fall behind."

Tian Lei leaned back, letting the peaceful wind brush against his skin.

"Hmm… did anything happen in the past month?" he asked.

She shook her head lightly."Nothing major. Everything has been running smoothly. Ah—almost forgot. There was one thing."

Tian Lei raised an eyebrow."Oh?"

"There's a new True Disciple," she said. "Her name is Su Mingyue. She defeated the 10th Rank True Disciple, Nian Chen, and became the new Tenth."

Tian Lei nodded slowly.

In his sect, True Disciples were the top ten geniuses—each one personally guided by him and considered the future pillars of the sect.

For someone new to enter the top ten… that meant she was truly exceptional.

"So the ranking shifted again," Tian Lei said calmly.

"Yes. Many disciples were shocked. Su Mingyue came out of nowhere," the woman replied. "But her talent seems real."

Tian Lei set down his cup and stood up, stretching his back slightly.

"Interesting. I'll meet her later."

The woman bowed her head.

"There is another thing, Sect Master."

He looked at her calmly."What is it?"

She hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly:

"Some elders want you to hold a small assembly now that you have returned from seclusion."

Tian Lei sighed lightly.

"Of course they do."

He glanced at the sky again before nodding.

"Fine. Tell them I'll join the assembly in an hour."

She bowed."Yes, Sect Master."

Before she left, Tian Lei added:

"And make sure Su Mingyue attends as well. I want to see what kind of talent managed to enter the top ten."

The woman nodded quickly and left the garden.

Tian Lei watched her go, then picked up his tea again.

"Su Mingyue, huh… Let's see what you can do."

One hour later—

The Sect Assembly Hall opened its doors.

Inside, the atmosphere was serious and respectful. Rows of elders filled the room:

Core Elders sat closest to the front.

Inner Sect Elders sat behind them.

Outer Sect Elders stood further back.

And in a line to the left side of the hall—

The Ten True Disciples waited in silence.

These ten were the strongest geniuses of the sect, and the only young cultivators qualified to sit in this hall during an official assembly.

All of them stood straight when Tian Lei entered.

Their eyes followed him with clear respect.

The room went completely silent as he walked down the center.

His steps were calm, but every person there felt the weight of his presence—steady, deep, and stronger than before. Even the air around him carried a faint pressure.

When he reached the front, he sat on the Sect Master's Chair, carved from spiritwood and marked with the sect's crest.

Every elder in the hall bowed deeply.

"Greetings to the Sect Master!"

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